Doula Training and Doula Certification

Supporting
Families Through
Birth & Beyond

DONA International is the world’s leading doula certification organization, empowering doulas to provide compassionate, evidence-based support to families.

What is a Doula?

We know that every pregnancy and birth is individual; that’s why we offer a range of care options within community, hospital, and home settings.

DONA International Summit

DONA International offers in-person and virtual conferences as well as on-demand webinars for continuing education for our doulas and all birth and postpartum professionals alike!

Alternating between in-person and virtual events to increase accessibility and build community; we recently hosted a great in-person 2025 continuing education conference in Seattle, Washington. 2026 will bring us back to a live-online virtual conference where we can connect with doulas globally.

Save the date for October 26-27, 2026 and visit our annual conference page and website for info and updates.

Why Choose DONA?

For over 30 years, DONA International has been the gold standard in doula certification and training.

Trusted Certification

Recognized worldwide as the leading doula certification organization, trusted by healthcare providers and families.

Comprehensive Training

Evidence-based curriculum covering all aspects of birth and postpartum support, taught by experienced trainers.

Global Community

Join thousands of certified doulas worldwide, with access to continuing education, resources, and peer support.

Positive Impact on Birth Outcomes

Our

Training

Training as a DONA International doula is a thorough, in-depth process that leaves our doulas feeling confident and ready to serve families during one of the most important times in their lives. Learn more about the certification process. Our doulas get cutting edge classroom knowledge coupled with invaluable hands-on experience. If you want to find lasting success in this field, we believe that needs to start with a deep understanding of the support new parents need. That’s one reason why our training is so detailed and why we require continuing education for recertification. Doulas who train with us are in not search of the quickest or easiest way to earn a credential – they want training that will position them among the best in the world.

Our

Support

DONA International is also clear in its support for the pregnant, birthing and postpartum people. Our code of ethics spells out the way our doulas support a woman’s choices without judgment and without trying to change her mind or convince her of anything. We support each family’s right to make decisions about their birth and postpartum experience. As one of our founders, Penny Simkin, reminds us, “The doula does not make decisions for you, or project their personal preferences on you. They help you get the information you need to make good decisions.”

Our

Professionalism

DONA International’s nonprofit status means that we exist only to serve our members and to carry out our mission, never to make a profit. Our professional management staff and our Board of Directors are all available to serve you. You can expect efficient and friendly responses to all your needs.

That level of professionalism is woven throughout all of our interactions. DONA International’s organizational culture includes speaking with integrity about families, caregivers and other organizations. Again and again, birth workers and other professionals look to our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as guiding principles for the entire industry.

What we care about

We know that every pregnancy and birth is individual; that’s why we offer a range of care options within community, hospital, and home settings.

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Reporters and Editors… Let’s talk!

Every week, DONA International is contacted by reporters and editors around the world. As representatives of the world’s leading doula organization, we’d love to talk as we increase awareness about the benefits of doula support to families globally!

DONA International and our doulas have contributed to many articles including pieces by The New York Times, Essence Magazine, The Washington Post, The Bump, Fit Pregnancy, and more!

Resources

Our resource library contains over 30 downloadable documents. You can find many of these documents throughout the website, but here you’ll have them in easy to recognize categories.

Postpartum Doula Certification Infographic

Doulas and Unassisted Birth

Your Guide to Lactation

Social Media

Wonderful stories

Hear from Certified Doulas and real families.

Their exceptional care and support throughout my pregnancy journey truly made a difference in the birth story of my baby. The team was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable.

Mrs. Roberta Gaiman

Certified Doula

DONA guided me through every step of my journey, ensuring that both me and my clients were experiencing the best of training and care. I couldn't have asked for better mentors.

Amanda Lorens

28yo mom from Chicago

Choosing the right doula for the birth of my baby was crucial, and I'm so glad I found Prenatal Center. From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt welcomed and supported by their knowledgeable and caring team. They guided me through every step of my pregnancy journey, ensuring that both me and my baby were in safe hands.

Jacqueline C. Santiago

Mother of two children

Thanks to the personalized attention and guidance provided by DONA International. I highly recommend them to any expecting mother looking for compassionate support.

Bonnie M. Pattison

Happy mom from New York

The certification program exceeded all my expectations. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive throughout my entire learning journey.

Sarah Mitchell

Certified Birth Doula

From prenatal classes to postpartum support, the team was there every step of the way. I felt confident and prepared thanks to their approach.

Emily Rodriguez

First-time mom from Texas

Calculate my due date

First day of last menstrual period

Average length of cycles*

*Average length of cycles is from first day of your period to the first day of your next period. Ranges from: 22 to 44. Leave 28 if unsure.

Get your Free Guide to Hiring a Doula

How do you hire a doula? What questions should you ask a doula before you choose them as part of your birth team? Learn more about best practices in the doula field.

News & Articles

Your DONA Doula Certification Roadmap:

Get the Official FAQ & Start With Confidence

If you’re serious about getting DONA-certified, this will give you clarity fast. Enter your email and we’ll send you the official DONA Birth Doula Certification FAQ—a no-fluff guide covering workshop approval, the 16-hour training requirement, typical costs ($400–$700), how long you have to finish (often 3 years), and what counts toward required birth support hours (15 hours across 3 births).

Supporting
Families Through
Birth & Beyond

What is a Doula?

Birth Doulas

Postpartum Doulas

DONA International Summit